The historic Byrd Theatre has been a part of Virginia’s entertainment culture for 90 years. In order to restore and preserve the Theatre for another 90, we need your help! Feed the Byrd, and contribute directly to the efforts of the Foundation to restore the Byrd to its original 1928 glory, and ensure that it continues to maintain accessibility of the Theatre as a community institution that engages and promotes the art of film. Help foster our progress and make your TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation today!

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December 24, 1928, Richmond welcomed the most architecturally developed traditional cinema ever built in Richmond.

It is as fine, if not as huge, as any motion picture palace in New York or Chicago, although its architect and decorative plasterer both represent the city’s own design capabilities. Its architectural treatment extends to every part of the interior, which is treated with a comprehensive polychrome decorative program in molded plaster by the great Italian-born sculptor Ferruccio Legnaioli. It features a series of eleven Academic mural paintings by French émigré Arthur Brounet, who decorated many of the grandest vaudeville houses and movie theaters in New York. This remarkable mural cycle celebrating the art of drama is among the best preserved paintings of their kind in the nation. Finally, the grand Wurlitzer organ, one the best of those still in use, is capable of transforming the entire building into a powerful instrument capable, as we have seen in Cameron Carpenter’s recent concerts, of the highest flights of musical imagination.

Help us preserve this historic landmark and the traditions of cinema it represents. Join us as we embark on our “Journey to the Seats’ campaign.

The Byrd Theatre Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization formed in 2007 to purchase and restore Richmond’s Byrd Theatre.

Upcoming Events

A soon to be divorced Beverly Hills socialite is determined to prove to her husband and herself that she can finish what she starts out to do, by becoming a den mother to a troop of Beverly Hills Girl Scouts. Directed by Betty Thomas Stars Shelley Long, Craig T. Nelson and Betty Thomas Commonsense Media Rating 12+ Family Classics at The Byrd every Saturday morning include a great movie preceded by a classic Warner Brothers cartoon and Bob Gulledge at the console of the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Sponsored by Capital One. Please follow and like us:0

Tribute to Penny Marshall During World War II when all the men are fighting the war, most of the jobs that were left vacant because of their absence were filled in by women. The owners of the baseball teams, not wanting baseball to be dormant indefinitely, decide to form teams with women. So scouts are sent all over the country to find women players. One of the scouts, passes through Oregon and finds a woman named Dottie Hinson, who is incredible. He approaches her and asks her to try out but she’s not interested. However, her sister, Kit who wants to get out of Oregon, offers to go. Directed by Penny Marshall Written by Kim Wilson Stars Tom Hanks, Geena Davis and Lori Petty Please follow and like us:0

Tribute to Penny Marshall The victims of an encephalitis epidemic many years ago have been catatonic ever since, but now a new drug offers the prospect of reviving them. Directed by Penny Marshall Written by Oliver Sacks Stars Robert De Niro, Robin Williams and Julie Kavner Please follow and like us:0

A washed-up actor, who once played an iconic superhero, attempts to revive his career by writing and starring in his very own Broadway play. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu Written by Alejandro G. Iñárritu Stars Michael Keaton, Emma Stone and Kenny Chin Winner of 4 Academy Awards Please follow and like us:0

Louisa May Alcott’s autobiographical account of her life with her three sisters in Concord, Massachusetts in the 1860s. With their father fighting in the American Civil War, sisters Jo, Meg, Amy and Beth are at home with their mother, a very outspoken women for her time. The story tells of how the sisters grow up, find love and find their place in the world. Directed by Gillian Armstrong Written by Louisa May Alcott Stars Winona Ryder, Gabriel Byrne and Trini Alvarado Commonsense Media Rating 11+ Family Classics at The Byrd every Saturday morning include a great movie preceded by a classic Warner Brothers cartoon and Bob Gulledge at the console of the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ. Sponsored by Capital One.

About the BTF

In order to make certain the Byrd remains Richmond’s Grand Movie Palace for another 85 years and beyond, the Byrd Theatre Foundation, a not-for-profit 501(c) 3 entity, was formed and arranged to purchase the building. Read More

Donate to the Byrd

Your support will fund the restoration over the next 3 years, and expand film center programming.Donate